The 10 commandments of speeches and presentations

Hello People!

Ano novo quase chegando e com ele, diversas expectativas, certo?
Uma delas pode ser um novo emprego ou até mesmo uma promoção no atual. Se para isso for necessário a prova de fogo, digo, uma apresentação em inglês, este texto pode lhe dar uma mãozinha.

O texto escolhido aborda algumas dicas simples para apresentações e/ou palestras (speeches) que podem ser úteis para apresentações no trabalho e na faculdade.

Take a look... 

1) Body language is important: good posture makes sure you look confident and serious. So: Shoulders straight, chest forward.

2) Eye contact: Look at your audience and try to make eye contact with everyone (not all the time at just one person or point in space). When having a private interview, look your interviewer straight in the eyes. this is often a sign employers look for; it means you're confident and not afraid!

3) Articulation and pronunciation: you have to make sure that you speak clearly, specially with the 'stress words'! Move your mouth, breath normally and make sure your mouth isn't dry (drink water). You should be aware of how you physically speak to be able to understand how you speak (look in the mirror when you practise speaking).

4) Whatever you do, avoid a monotone! Your voice should rise and fall with questions and statements. This keeps your group interested in your speech.

5) Your speed is important to control. Too fast and you may look nervous; too slow and you sound boring, like you are lecturing (if you're not sure about your speed, tape yourself and listen).

6) Mind punctuation: pause at the end of a sentence or with comma's. Only when you want to stress a certain word, just pause for one second before it; this highlights the word. Avoid slang, except to make a point, and don't say, "you know" or "like", too often.

7) Know your voice. Tape yourself and listen, because often people are surprised to hear themselves. Convey the "feeling" that goes together with a word: If you use the word "kill" say it with 'DANGER' in your voice.

8) Look smart and honest: you must sell yourself before you sell your message. Do not use words such as "maybe" or "might" - use positive words such as "will" and "must". People feel it when you try to lie to them, so often use simple words and don't over-use complicated sentences or abstract words. Show emotion; to make people believe, you have to believe it first.

9) Practice, practice and practice: Practice at home, in front of the mirror, before you go to sleep, etc. Feel confident and at ease when speaking. And know your stuff!

Let's practice?

Texto utilizado na USJT - 2005

Técnicas de expressão oral em inglês II - Profa. Nívia Marcello